Luther College Center Stage Series presents: The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra

Come experience one of the country's leading regional orchestras at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall on the Luther College campus. The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra returns to Luther College to offer an unforgettable performance celebrating Northeast Iowa's rich cultural heritage.

"I can't overstate what an amazing treat it is to have the full Des Moines Symphony traveling to Decorah for this concert and I love the Northeast Iowa-themed repertoire they've chosen," says Kristen Underwood, director of campus programming.

The program will feature Jon Kimura Parker, world-renowned Canadian pianist, and include pieces including the iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor by the celebrated Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg and Symphony No. 8 in G Major by Czech composer Antonín Dvorák, the adopted son of Spillville, Iowa.

Led by Music Director Joseph Giunta  for the past 29 years, the Symphony has established an outstanding national reputation as one of the country's leading regional orchestras, performing a regular series of Masterworks, Pops, Family and Education Concerts, as well as performing for special events. 

While in Decorah, group members are also dedicating time to talking with and educating young musicians.

"Something that's really important to me is to find ways for the artists who perform at Luther to interact with the community in some way," says Underwood. "The Symphony members will actually be having dinner with Luther's orchestra students. Some will also work with high school students who are on campus for the Dorian Keyboard Festival on Saturday."

Underwood encourages any middle school or high school orchestra student to attend. She invites area conductors to contact her at 563-387-1536 for information about a special offer for student musicians.

This major event at Luther College is sponsored by Robert and Rebecca Shaw, Jeff and Marilyn Roverud and Decorah Bank and Trust.

The highly creative and talented chefs on the Norse Culinary Team invite you to partake in the Center Stage Dinner Series before the show. The dinners feature a multicourse menu to complement each performance. A separate ticket is required. All meals begin at 5:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room on the second floor of Dahl Centennial Union. Both dinner and show tickets are on sale through Luther's Ticket Office and online at http://www.tickets.luther.edu or tickets@luther.edu or by calling (563) 387-1357.

Luther College is home to more than 1,900 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.